"Ionkwakwenion" Honors Peter Garrow

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne created a Book of Accomplishments called "Ionkwakwenion" (We accomplished it) to document and celebrate significant and noteworthy accomplishments by the people of Akwesasne in the realm of academics, athletics, art, culture, environment, etc. from 2015 onwards.

At the Kentenhko:wa/November 30th General Meeting in Tsi Snaihne, Peter Garrow was honored for his extensive work in education for First Nations people.

Peter was raised in Buffalo, NY and attended Catholic School where he read history books that rendered a poor depiction of First Nations people. This lit a fire in him that still burns bright today.

After serving in the US Air Force, Peter taught a leadership course at the NNATC. There he learned the truth of our people from influential Mohawk elders and Traditional Leaders.

Peter noted, "I read so much about our people that I somehow wanted to change how we were depicted."

So Peter made changes. His actions speak volumes.

Peter served as the Director of Education for the Assembly of First Nations. He was also the Director for the Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education, where he helped to make it one of the most successful education systems in North America.

Peter has been a champion for First Nation's Youth causes, including Shannen's Dream and Jordan's Principle-as well as the promotion and implementation of the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People.

Peter received the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal in 2012 in recognition of several First Nations education-related accomplishments. He also received the Rotary International's highest accolade: the Paul Harris Award for his community service to build community relations.

In the past, Peter chaired the Ontario Public School Boards Association Native Trustee Council. He also taught a Native Studies course at Iohahi:io campus of St. Lawrence College for 4 years.

Peter has recently worked with St. Lawrence College to develop two First Nations Studies Courses as a part of the college's general arts and sciences/archeology program at Iohahi:io. He is the chair of ongoing negotiations on self-government between the Federal Government and Akwesasne. In addition, he was inducted in the Akwesasne Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2010.

Although this is all amazing work, Mr. Peter Garrow was honored at the November 30th General Meeting due to the Honorary Diploma he was given from St. Lawrence College on June 2, 2017.

The MCA would like to congratulate Peter on his various accomplishments thus far! Nia:wen for everything you have done for Akwesasne and other First Nations communities. You are an incredible person and we are all extremely proud of you!